Gibbons relays conspiracy rumors

April 10, 2007 - 9:00 pm

CARSON CITY — Gov. Jim Gibbons said Monday that he has heard rumors Democrats paid The Wall Street Journal to publish stories about his dealings with a defense contractor and that the coverage was designed to help Democrats in the 2008 election.

Asked about rumors of a conspiracy among Democrats against him, Gibbons said he heard the same thing but did not name a source.

“I have heard that the Democrats have paid to have these Wall Street Journal articles written,” Gibbons told the Reno-Gazette Journal.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Gibbons is under investigation by the FBI because of suspicions he accepted unreported gifts or payments from a Reno company that was awarded secret military contracts when Gibbons was in the U.S. House.

The Wall Street Journal stood by its stories, and Democrats denied having anything to do with the published reports.

Gibbons said he first met the Journal reporter who broke the stories, John R. Wilke, when Wilke was in Elko the night of a debate between Gibbons and his Democratic rival in the 2006 gubernatorial race, state Sen. Dina Titus of Las Vegas.

“When I met this guy, (Wilke), he was brought to Elko by the Dina Titus campaign, and that is where I met him. So I don’t know what his agenda is, but there is nothing there with any of these allegations.”

Gibbons spokeswoman Melissa Subbotin, asked whether the governor put any stock in the rumors, said, “I don’t believe he has formulated an opinion on whether or not there’s any merit to those comments or not.”

“The governor was simply commenting on the fact that he has heard those rumors,” Subbotin said.

Titus told the Gazette-Journal that she has never spoken to the reporter from The Wall Street Journal who wrote the stories about Gibbons.

“I think the stress is getting to the governor. Now he’s looking for a conspiracy,” Titus said.

“I have never met this (reporter),” Titus said. “I’ve never talked to him. He has never asked me for a comment. I have no connection to him whatsoever.”

Gibbons said the ties between the Democrats and The Wall Street Journal are about politics.

“What this is about, I believe, is that this is about the 2008 election,” Gibbons told the Gazette-Journal. “And it has very little to do with me. It is just that they want to deal with what their interests are in 2008.”

A spokesman for The Wall Street Journal said Gibbons’ comments are unfounded.

“The Wall Street Journal’s articles about Governor Gibbons are supported by extensive reporting,” said Robert H. Christie, director of public relations for Dow Jones and Company, the newspaper’s owner. “The governor’s suggestion that the Journal’s coverage is a product of the Nevada Democrats is baseless.”

Gibbons’ comments drew criticism from Democratic leaders at the Legislature.

“I find it hard to imagine that anyone paid The Wall Street Journal to fabricate stories about the governor,” Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said. “The Wall Street Journal is generally considered a conservative newspaper, perhaps run by Republicans and not Democrats.”

Gibbons’ comments resulted in a terse response from the Legislature’s leading Republican.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” said Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno. “People have their own perceptions of what is going on.”

Raggio said he has been dismayed with the amount of criticism of Gibbons.

“I’m a little bit tired of everybody bashing the governor all of the time,” Raggio said.

The Wall Street Journal first published a story about Gibbons’ relationship with Reno software entrepreneur Warren Trepp days before the November 2006 general election.

ad-in_article_1

ad-high_impact_4

News

Las Vegas Native Troy Brown Jr. Preparing for NBA

Former Centennial High School player Troy Brown Jr., now 18 and one of the most accomplished high school basketball players in the history of Las Vegas, is back in his hometown preparing to play in the NBA. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Closing arguments at David Copperfield civil trial

Attorneys for British tourist Gavin Cox and MGM Resorts make their closing arguments in the David Copperfield civil trial at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV Surgeon Performs Successful Rare Pancreas Surgery

Las Vegas resident Mary Duda underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy, or Whipple procedure, for her pancreatic cancer. While the grandmother of 19 recovered, her doctors say she's one of the lucky ones. Pancreatic surgery can be risky and has a high morbidity rate. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Former Las Vegas police explorer sentenced to 25 years to life in prison

Former Las Vegas police explorer Joshua Honea sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for sexual assault of a minor, but was allowed to remain free on bail pending appeal. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Golden Knights Fans Line Up to Grab Their Conference Champions Gear

Golden Knights fans lined up at City National Arena Monday to snap up Conference Champions gear and other memorabilia the day after the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup Conference Finals. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas-Review Journal)

Las Vegas shooting survivor has surprise reunion

Oct. 1 mass shooting survivors Taylor Stovall and Parker Gabel meet for the first time since Gabel helped the injured Stovall to an ambulance the night of the shooting. Stovall, then 17, was shot in the arm. They met Friday at the Tropicana.

Hawaii volcano presser

Talmadge Magno of Hawaii Civil Defense gives an update on the Kilauea volcano

Same-Sex Weddings on the Rise in Las Vegas

Allie and Tara Shima finally tied the knot. They've been together for five years and have both been married before. This time, they wanted something simple, quick and cheap, but it still had to feel special. The couple chose Las Vegas. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

'Yanny' or 'Laurel?' This Hearing Test Has Gone Viral This hearing test has gone viral on social media with some hearing "Yanny" while others swear hearing "Laurel." The voice is actually saying "Laurel," but the pitch was changed, causing some to hear "Yanny."

LVMPD Briefs on Year's Sixth Officer-Involved Shooting

Las Vegas police have identified the officer who shot a shovel-wielding woman on Saturday as 23-year-old Ondre Wills.

Police release body camera footage of shovel-wielding woman

Las Vegas police identified the woman they said threatened neighbors with a skillet Saturday night. Officer Ondre Wills, 23, shot at Sommer Richards, 34, multiple times on Big Sur Drive, near Nellis Boulevard and Desert Inn Road. Police responded to the area after receiving reports that the woman was armed with a shovel. Police said the woman chased neighbors and a security guard. Wills got between Richards and the others and repeatedly told her to drop the shovel. The woman instead turned and moved toward a person who was standing nearby before the officer fired shots. Police said she bit another officer as he attempted to render aid. Richards remains in serious but stable condition.

College of Southern Nevada Graduates 2017-18 Class

The College of Southern Nevada's graduation ceremony was held at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday. The 2017-18 class was the institution's largest in history. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Metro looking for suspect in bank robbery.

On Jan. 22, a man robbed a bank in the 8700 block of West Sahara Avenue.

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee at opening of U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, at opening ceremony of U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, speaks about the violence in Gaza. (Debra J. Saunders/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Supreme Court strikes down law banning sports betting outside Nevada

The Supreme Court has overturned a federal ban on sports gambling. States other than Nevada will be allowed to provide bookmaking and betting at casinos and race tracks. Justice Samuel Alito said Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so, “each State is free to act on its own.” The vote was 6-3. One research firm estimates that 32 states will likely offer sports betting within five years.

Westcare Clinic Crucial to Las Vegan's Addiction Recovery

Christian Hunt, 21, was sent to Westcare in September after he ended up on drugs and in the hospital. If it weren't for the nonprofit's Community Triage Center, Hunt said he would still be using drugs. Instead, he's been sober for six months, and stopped using methamphetamines seven months ago. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Foundation Provides Full Rides for Clark County Students

Somewhere along the banks of the Ohio River in Owensboro, Kentucky, a group of students from Sin City are pursuing a higher education. Feature on the 38 Clark County students that the Rogers Foundation has given full rides to for Kentucky Wesleyan College. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Flames engulf house in Henderson

Clark County firefighters battled a house fire early Friday morning in Henderson. The house, located near Volunteer Boulevard and Executive Airport Drive, was fully engulfed in flames about 2 a.m. Shifting winds sent massive plumes of smoke across the southern Las Vegas Valley sky. As of 3 a.m. , the cause of the fire was not known and no injuries were reported.

Harvey Weinstein’s Estranged Wife Speaks Out for First Time

Harvey Weinstein’s Estranged Wife Speaks Out for First Time Georgina Chapman was profiled for 'Vogue’s' June issue, speaking on her estranged husband for the first time since he was accused of sexual assault in October. Georgina Chapman, to Vogue Georgina Chapman, to Vogue Chapman, who has two children with Weinstein, also said she has been seeing a therapist and that has helped her move forward. Georgina Chapman, to Vogue Georgina Chapman, to Vogue Read the full profile on Chapman in Vogue’s June issue or online at Vogue.com.

Bark-Andre Furry the dog is a Vegas Golden Knights hockey fan

The furriest fan of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights is growing into a social media sensation. Bark-Andre Furry the Jack Russell terrier has thousands of followers on Twitter and Instagram. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Suspect Sought In Robbery Attempt

Attorney Gloria Allred on case against Benjamin Sparks

Attorney Gloria Allred is representing the victim in a "sex slave" case against GOP political consultant Benjamin Sparks.

2018 Las Vegas Review-Journal High School Journalism Awards winners

Some winners of the 2018 Las Vegas Review-Journal High School Journalism Awards receive their awards.

'Avengers: Infinity War' to Cross $1 Billion Mark And it will have done so faster than any other film in history. The Anthony and Joe Russo directed film has only been in theaters for eight days since its Apr. 27 release, and it’s already raked in $905.1 million at the worldwide box office, including $338.4 million in North America. It will reach the milestone faster than ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ which took 12 days to cross over the $1 billion threshold. ‘Infinity War’ is the 34th film to cross $1 billion at the global box office, not accounting for inflation.

Henderson Residents Fighting Their HOA

Sun City Anthem residents Tim Stebbins and Bob Frank were arrested by the Henderson Police Department for filing a false report of a crime after they claimed their HOA was hiding surplus assessments in a secret slush fund. Nearly a decade later, Frank is still trying to clear his name. (Madelyn Reese/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV Professor Retiring After 50 Years

Professor Bernard Malamud reflects on his 50 years teaching economics at UNLV and what it's been like watching to school and the city grow.

Donald Trump recognizes Jon Ponder of Hope for Prisoners

Former bank robber Jon Ponder, now CEO of Hope for Prisoners, is recognized by President Donald Trump at the White House Rose Garden. Debra J. Saunders/ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Motorcyclist suffers severe head injury

A crash early Friday morning has left a motorcyclist hospitalized with a serious head injury, according to Las Vegas police. The crash occurred in the southwest valley at Durango Drive and the 215 Beltway, and was reported around 1:30 a.m. Police are investigating and one lane of the eastbound 215 offramp has been shut down.

Last week, President Donald Trump hosted a summit with California law enforcement officers to discuss the dangers the state’s “sanctuary” policies. During Q&A, Fresno County sheriff Margaret Mims worried about the sanctuary law preventing her from telling federal officials that
she had a MS-13 gang member in custody.

Victor Joecks moderates a debate with the three Republican candidates for Nevada's 3rd Congressional District 3. Candidates are Danny Tarkanian, Sen. Scott Hammond and Michelle Mortensen.

Nevada Politics Today: Allison Stephens

Victor Joecks sits down with candidate for CD4, Allison Stephens.

The Right Take: Hogg is wrong about Question 1

Victor Joecks talks about the errors David Hogg made in a recent tweet.

The Right Take: Student accused teacher of kicking, yanking him

Jayden Zelaya-Ramos is a fifth-grade student at George E. Harris Elementary School. That’s where he says Jason Wright, husband of school board president Deanna Wright, kicked and yanked him in early March.

The Right Take: Trustees call for a special session

Victor Joecks talks about a special session about teacher pay raises.

The Right Take: Three things to know about CCSD's next superintendent

Victor Joecks talks about things to know about CCSD's next superintendent.

Nevada Politics Today: Craig Mueller

Las Vegas Review-Journal's Victor Joecks sits down with Republican candidate for Attorney General, Craig Mueller and discusses his position on crime in Nevada.

The Right Take: Rosen attended fundraiser hosted by Jane Fonda

Last Friday, Rosen attended a fundraiser hosted by Jane Fonda and other Hollywood elites. Yes, that’s the same Jane Fonda that Vietnam War veterans call “Hanoi Jane” for smiling while sitting on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun.

The Right Take: Registrar has admitted to 175 mistakes

Victor Joecks talks about the Clark County Registrar’s office struggling to keep its numbers straight.

Nevada Politics Today: Tim Phillips, President of Americans for Prosperity

Review-Journal's Victor Joecks sits down with Tim Phillips, President of Americans for Prosperity.

The Right Take: Equal Pay Day sends a false message to women

Equal Pay Day was last week. Democrats spent the day spreading the falsehood that women earn 80 cents for every dollar men earn. That’s a false and destructive message to send to women.

Donald Trump Calls Out James Comey After Book Details Emerge

Donald Trump Calls Out
James Comey After Book
Details Emerge The President took to Twitter to criticize the former FBI director as information emerges from Comey’s new book, ‘A Higher Loyalty’. According to 'The New York Times', Comey describes Trump in the book as “unethical, and untethered to truth and institutional values.” James Comey, A Higher Loyalty, via The New York Times A Higher Loyalty hits stores on April 17.

Las Vegas man stands with president at White House

President Donald Trump delivered remarks in the Rose Garden Thursday about how the GOP tax cut plan helped working families across the country. To his left stood Richard Kerzetski, president of Universal Plumbing & Heating Co. in Las Vegas. Debra J. Saunders/Las Vegas Review-Journal

The Right Take: Superintendent has limited authority

It’s starts with money. CCSD has a lot. It has a $2.4 billion general fund. The superintendent controls almost none of it. Personnel expenses make up 87 percent of that. The rest goes to things like utilities, gas for school buses and textbooks.

Nevada Politics Today: Michelle Mortensen

Review-Journal's Victor Joecks sits down with Republican candidate for CD3, Michelle Mortensen to discuss the Nevada congressional race and DACA.

The Right Take: Liberals claim there's a 20% gender pay gap

Tuesday was Equal Pay Day, a chance for liberals to claim that women in America make only 80 cents for every dollar a male makes. They calculate this by comparing the median annual earnings of men and women working full-time in 2016.

The Right Take: Arbitrator sides with teachers union

Victor Joecks talks about how an Arbitrator's decision will impact CCSD going forward.

Nevada Politics Today: Thom Reilly interview

Victor Joecks talks to Thom Reilly about Len Jessup leaving UNLV and other topics about the school.

The Right Take: Sisolak Running Scared

Steve Sisolak couldn’t scare off Chris Giunchigliani, and now she has Sisolak running scared. They’re both seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

State lawmaker shares his views on new prison education program

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford shared his views Friday about a prison education bill he spearheaded in the 2017 legislative session. Ford, community members and higher education officials toured the High Desert State Prison on Indian Springs on Friday where he program is being implemented. (Natalie Bruzda/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The Right Take: Is Easter "fake news?"

Victor Joecks talks about Easter and the historical validity of The Bible.

Fixing Nevada’s education system starts with educating yourself on how the system actually works.

The Right Take: Armed school officer stops shooting

Victor Joecks talks about how an armed school officer stopped further violence.

Early voting in the Ward 5 Las Vegas City Council race at Las Vegas City Hall

Early voting in the Ward 5 Las Vegas City Council race at Las Vegas City Hall. There are eleven candidates running in the Ward 5 special election to serve out the remaining 15 months left on former councilman Ricki Barlow's term. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas-Review Journal

President Donald Trump’s twitter feed often produces chaos. With just one tweet on Friday, however, he reordered Nevada politics and increased Republican chances in two races key races.

The Right Take: You can see what government employees make

Last year, over 1,750 state and local employees took home over $200,000 in total compensation. Expect that number to grow to around 2,500 once Clark County and the Nevada System of Higher Education submit their data.

At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, students from 12 schools in the Las Vegas valley will walk out of their classes for 17 minutes as part of the National School Walkout. It’s an event organized by the Women’s March, and it claims that similar protests will occur at thousands of schools throughout the country.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott Signs Marjory Stoneman Douglas Gun Bill Scott signed the bill Friday, The law is known as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act and increases restrictions on gun control, but also allows for some teachers to be armed. The law also:
• Raises the minimum age to buy rifles from 18 to 21
• Extends a three-day waiting period for handgun purchases to include long guns • Bans bump stocks The $400 million bill marks Scott's break with the National Rifle Association, which opposes raising age limits to buy weapons or imposing new waiting periods.

The Right Take: Ruben Kihuen considering running for reelection

Victor Joecks talks about Ruben Kihuen and the possibility he has to run for reelection.